Sure Ways to Turn Away a Potential Buyer

So you've listed your home with a reputable agent who has placed internet and newspaper ads. You've just had the first showing and the feedback you received was less than positive. In fact, the people were so turned off, they didn't even complete the tour. There is more to selling a home than marketing. As a seller, there are some very basic things you must never do, or you run the risk of turning away a potential buyer.

Paint Colors Only You Could Love: Perhaps you've enjoyed the bright blue and orange paint on your bedroom walls, but it's not likely to fit in with most decorating schemes. Certainly, the new owner has the option of repainting, but why not save them the trouble and cover the walls with a more neutral shade. Some potential buyers if turned off right from the start, carry that negative feeling throughout the rest of the tour. While you can't please everyone, try to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Overlook a Dirty House: When selling a house, it's not enough to cover up the dirt, it should be spotless. A clean home smells good and looks as though the owners have taken care of it. Pay special attention to stains, grout, and dishes in the sink or spotty floors. Once you do the big cleaning, it's pretty easy to keep it up between showings. You'll be surprised at how good it feels living in a clean house.

Noticeable Smells or Odors: Especially if you smoke or have pets, you probably don't even realize how your house smells, but most others are hit with the odor upon entering. Once again, clean well, smoke outside, remove your pets during showings and make sure the litter box is cleaned regularly. Many people use spray deodorizers, but I found the best solution is to burn scented oils prior to the showing. Enzyme cleaners that actually remove the odor instead of masking it are also highly recommended.

Messy Exterior: A house can be bought and sold before the customer even walks through the front door. Street appeal goes a long way to attract or detract a potential buyer. It may be as simple as making sure the gardens are weeded (mulch makes this job easier and looks neater), grass is mowed and hedges are trimmed. Concentrate on making the front of the house the best it can be by removing clutter, painting the porch or fence and keeping the steps swept.

Not Everyone Loves Your Pets: I know it's hard to believe, but not everyone loves Fido as you do. It can be unnerving to enter a house and have a pack of animals come running to greet you. Many people these days have pet allergies and may be turned off from an otherwise nice home because of an allergic reaction. It's safest to make your pets scarce during any type of showing.

Unusual Furniture Placement: Our old home didn't have a lot of room for a kitchen table, so we split up part of our great room and put the table there. When we were trying to sell our home, our agent mentioned that people didn't think we had a dining room. It was strange to see a kitchen table in the living room. After some shifting around, we exchanged the dining table with the kitchen table and instantly created a formal dining area. It made a huge difference.

Don't be hesitant to change things around simply because they've always been a certain way. You may be surprised at the results.

Dingy Interiors: Consider light walls and woodwork especially in a home with few windows. If you can afford to add windows – all the better. Also consider adding more lighting and at the very least, keep your windows clean.

Nightmare Basements: Even if your basement is not finished, you can help buyers see the potential in this unused space. Clear out any clutter and make sure the floors are spotless. Consider painting the floors or adding low cost carpeting or laminate flooring. Paint the ceilings white to open up the area and give the walls a fresh coat as well.

Dirty Appliances: Nothing is worse than opening a dirty oven or fridge, and don't kid yourself, people will be looking in both those places. Don't forget to clean under and behind your appliances and clear out any cupboard clutter.

Water Stains: This is a definite sign of a current or past leak and may even prompt suggestions of mold. Ensure you have no leaks and paint over any old stains.

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